Talking about your art.....does it strike fear in your heart or make your stomach flip flop? For most folks, yes. For me, it certainly helps to be surrounded by lots of smiling faces, as I was on October 11 for the closing day of Dresses: Objects of Art. Five artists shared their inspirations and processes with friends, family, and art lovers.

As an art maker, the circle of creativity is complete when a viewer takes some delight with what you have produced or simply engages in your work for longer than 12 seconds. As a viewer of art, I find that my experience is enriched when I know more about the artist and how they work or what they are trying to express.

So hurrah, hurrah, for all the blah, blah, blah.....and the next time you're at an art show, ask an artist about their work.

Photo props to my friend Louise for capturing my joy on the opening night of Dresses: Objects of Art. My joy was multiplied by soooo many friends coming out to support my art journey. They dodged buckets of rain and they gave me smiles a mile wide all night. The show is up until October 11 at Gallery at Avalon Island in Orlando, FL. There will be a closing reception on October 10 from 6 to 9pm and an Artists Talk on the 11th at noon.